The Greek Red Cross, on the occasion of the ever-increasing presence of the harehead in the Greek seas, informs citizens of the dangers posed by this species of fish and provides useful instructions of First Aid in the event of a bite injury.
The rabbithead contains strong neurotoxin (tetrodotoxin), which makes its consumption extremely dangerous. Because toxin distribution varies, no part of the fish is considered safe for consumption. Although the bite of the rabbit's head it is not toxic, its particularly strong jaws, which resemble a beak, can cause severe injuries and severe bleeding.
The Health Section of the Greek Red Cross recommends:
• Direct wound cleansing with plenty of running clean water and soap. Do not use local antiseptics without a doctor’ s instructions.
• Apply constant pressure with clean gauze or cloth clean. If the bleeding is intense, maintain constant pressure on the wound, keeping the limb up.
• Look for medical help, the bite wound will need specialized care, tetanus serum, perhaps stitches if the wound is deep.
• If the incident occurs in a remote area or the bleeding is intense, citizens should immediately call EKAB (166) or the European
Emergency Number (112), providing appropriate First Aid until specialist assistance arrives.